5 Disciplines of a Writer

"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." - Zig Ziglar

Introduction: 

Becoming a successful writer requires more than just being creative. Starting and finishing a manuscript takes discipline, dedication, and hard work. Here are five disciplines every writer should cultivate to write, start and finish a manuscript successfully.

Grab a notebook and pen, write down the 5 disciplines, develop a plan, create smart goals and execute the plan you developed for yourself. I am rooting for you! You got this. Let's go!

1. Commitment

The first discipline of a writer is commitment. Committing to writing means making writing a priority. This dedication means setting aside time each day specifically for writing, even if it's just thirty minutes. Committing to writing also means setting goals and deadlines to track progress and sticking to them.

Speak this out of your mouth; I will commit to writing, I will make writing a priority, and what you speak daily will manifest itself. What you continue to speak, you start to believe it.

2. Persistence

Persistence is the second discipline of a writer. The writing process can be long and tiring, but a writer must keep going. Writers have to be willing to revise and rewrite again and again until their manuscript is complete. Persistence is about pushing through self-doubt and overcoming obstacles to achieve a finished product.

You have started speaking that you will write, set some time aside daily and write. Create a schedule to stay persistent.

3. Organization

The third discipline of a writer is organization. Many writers make the mistake of not being organized with their writing process. This can lead to disorganization, confusion and ultimately prevent a writer from starting or finishing a manuscript. A writer should have a clear idea of what they want to achieve from their manuscript and plan their writing process accordingly. They should also organize their writing space, outline their ideas, and create a timeline for writing.

Create an outline to stay on track will you write and help you stay organized.

4. Consistency

Consistency is the fourth discipline of a writer. Consistency means writing regularly, every day. Writing every day doesn't mean writing for hours on end. Instead, it means making progress by consistently dedicating a certain amount of time to writing. This helps a writer develop a solid writing habit and creates momentum for completing the manuscript.

You got 20 minutes? Write.

5. Growth Mindset

The final discipline of a writer is having a growth mindset. A growth mindset is the belief that your writing craft can be developed through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. A writer with a growth mindset welcomes constructive criticism from a trusted voice and sees defeat as a steppingstone toward improvement. This mindset allows for continual growth and development as a writer.

Keep writing and keep growing! Read, Write, Grow. Study your craft. Keep writing!

Conclusion

In conclusion, writing a manuscript requires discipline, commitment, persistence, organization, consistency, and a growth mindset. Cultivating these five disciplines will enable any writer to start and finish a manuscript successfully. As a writer, it's important to remember that success takes time and effort, but it's achievable with the right mindset, dedication, and hard work.

Writing is for you! You got this!

Your Writing Coach,

Jasma